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Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

The Thunder explored dealing James Harden to the Wizards for Bradley Beal and Chris Singleton. They also talked

to the Warriors and Pacers, a league source says. If you're a Pacers' fan, would you have given up Paul George for Harden? If you were a Warriors' fan, would you have given up Steph Curry? Of course you would have. Now, what if you had to deal those guys without knowing if you could re-sign and keep Harden? Changes the equation just a little bit. Ultimately, the league source says it wasn't up to the Wizards, Pacers or Warriors to make the deal. The Thunder sent Harden to the Rockets because it brought back the best collection of assets.

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Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

Interesting. Im feeling pretty good about Paul George right about now, but it is nice to know our front office was at least interested. I wonder if there is any way we could have kept Paul. I feel like Granger and Martin are fairly comparable players.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

Interesting. Im feeling pretty good about Paul George right about now, but it is nice to know our front office was at least interested. I wonder if there is any way we could have kept Paul. I feel like Granger and Martin are fairly comparable players.

True, however Granger has another year on his deal at $14M, which would put them up near the LT after Ilbaka's deal kicks in. Exact reason they traded Harden to begin with. Martin is an expiring.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

No way. No disrespect to Harden because he can ball, but he's the biggest ballhog I've seen in the NBA in years. Seriously, it's no coincidence Lin dropped almost 40 on the Spurs when Harden had a DNP and scores 4 and 8 points when Harden plays. He thinks he's a point guard, except he often doesn't make the correct basketball play, instead doing his usual ISO or 1 on 2 slash thing.

He's got tons of talent and deserves to be a starter, but man is he frustrating to watch from a team basketball perspective. I have to imagine the only reason his teammates in Houston haven't mutineed is that he's the franchise player, and having watched quite a few Rockets games this year I can tell why OKC had him come off the bench instead of start alongside KD/Westbrook.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

I would have done it, assuming it's George+Fillers. Just think about it. Hill/Harden/Granger/West/Hibbert is one scary lineup. Someone here wrote Harden is a huge ball-hog. True, but that's exactly what we need. I always thought Hill (and also Granger) needs to play next to a shooting guard that can help run the offense. Harden is is just that: a scoring shooting guard that can create his own shot and create for others.

But I don't think that was the case. I think they might have wanted Roy, or something like Perks+Harden for Roy. I just don't think they need George.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

I wasn't trying to make a backhanded comment. I was just trying to point out that Eleazar in particular is patient with team and the players. He isn't trying to run them out of town. He is giving him some chances. That's all there is tonight.

If it came out more aggressive than I wanted then there's also a good reason about it. I'm kinda sick of the way some people seem to think that everyone thinks just like them.

No, vnzla, I wouldn't hold on Amar'e's jock, if he was a Pacer.

No, boombaby, Eleazar wouldn't want to trade PG after his 0 point game.

Just speak for yourselves, people. Don't project your own feelings on other posters.

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Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

Harden is nice, but I wouldn't trade Paul George for him. I definitely wouldn't trade Paul and something else.

On behalf of Paul I deeply apologize that he didn't come out of Frezno St as a 25 ppg guy day 1. Of course Harden went #3 and hasn't been that yet either, but...for whatever reason players become the sexy guy to get and people lose their minds (see Lin, Hibbert, endless history in the NBA).

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

Harden is nice, but I wouldn't trade Paul George for him. I definitely wouldn't trade Paul and something else.

On behalf of Paul I deeply apologize that he didn't come out of Frezno St as a 25 ppg guy day 1. Of course Harden went #3 and hasn't been that yet either, but...for whatever reason players become the sexy guy to get and people lose their minds (see Lin, Hibbert, endless history in the NBA).

As much as it pains me to say it, Harden is clearly the better player right now. Paul has the better upside. You said yesterday, that this team is in "win now" mode, and I agree with that. Wouldn't it have made sense to get the better player right now?

It's possible that the FO knew about the severity of Granger's injury, and shifted from "win now" to "let's hold it together, and make a run next year," which would have changed that dynamic entirely. Of course that's going to require plunking down the cash for David West after this year, which I think we both hope is this case no matter what.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

OKC would have wanted Roy Hibbert and Paul George for James Harden and Kendrick Perkins. I can't imagine it any other way. They're weakest spot on that team is center and Roy would solidify that team against the likes of the Lakers and Clippers with the defensive presence. They would want Paul for the same reason of Harden, to have a wing player on a rookie scale contract, Plus they would then have a defensive wing (unlike Harden) to put pressure on the Kobe's of the league. OKC already has scoring and Paul and Roy would have gave them the defense they need. Also, the money would have worked. I am sure the Pacers wouldn't have done this cause Perkins is a half pint to Hibbert and Harden isn't worth Roy and Paul plus having Perkins contract around with his lack of production. Pacers might be desperate to upgrade the wing position but they wasn't going to blow up the team to do it.

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Frank Vogel says "Killer instinct, start strong, build a lead and then step on their throats."

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

I don't think I would trade Paul for Harden even after a 0 point game. I would trade anyone else on the roster for Harden so that he and Paul could play together. They would probably turn into one of the better wing combos in the league and who knows how good they could be together in their primes.

Re: Thunder/Pacers discussed Harden deal

I don't think I would trade Paul for Harden even after a 0 point game. I would trade anyone else on the roster for Harden so that he and Paul could play together. They would probably turn into one of the better wing combos in the league and who knows how good they could be together in their primes.

I agree and I think PG is an overall better player. James and Paul would compliment each other very well if on the same team. I know Hardens stats look a little better (last I checked anyways), but he is ball dominant right now in Houston, so he should fill the stats a bit more then Paul. I would love to see the both of them as Pacers.

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Frank Vogel says "Killer instinct, start strong, build a lead and then step on their throats."